The 13th African Games, T20 Men’s Cricket tournament keeps getting better as South Africa bow out of the tournament, losing narrowly to Uganda on March 20, 2024.
South Africa, stepped up to bat first and hoped to replicate their feat against Ghana on the opening game but had a serious restriction from the Cricket cranes as they managed 95/9.
The Proteas had one job to do, ensure they limit Uganda and grab their second win to qualify, as they lost game two to Kenya. By the 19th over, Uganda had 85-8 and needed 11 runs from 6 deliveries.
Captain of the Cricket cranes, Brian Masaba reduced the deficit to 5 runs from 5 balls, as he scored a boundary 6 on the 19.1 over which sent the Oval to cheers. Aphiwe Yako got a dot on the second delivery, while Masaba took 1 run from the third ball, and Uganda needed 4 runs to win 3 to draw.
Yako took his time and on his 4th delivery, Hassun Bilal got a run from it, after which he achieved a dot from Masaba. 93/8 at 19.5 overs, Uganda needed 3 runs from just a delivery and Masaba went big, scoring a boundary 6 to make matters worse for South Africa; 99/8 and winning by 2 wickets.
Roger Mukasa who missed his opening batter, Simon Ssesazi earlier won the player of the match accolade with 41(54)
On Oval B, Kenya qualified alongside Uganda, after their 7 wickets victory over host Ghana.
Ghana set the tone with 111/10 18.3 overs after winning toss. The middle order, with captain Obed Harvey 33(33) and Rexford Bakum 23(22) gave the host a great partnership but it was broken on the 13.2 over with a lbw by Rakep Patel.
Kenya with hopes that Uganda will beat South Africa, so they sneak into the semis and with a better NRR at the end of the day, produced 115/3 in 11.1 overs.
Collins Obuya with 68(30) was adjudged player of the match, as Kenya finished 2nd in Group A with 4 points. Uganda finished on top with 6, South Africa with 2 points and then host Ghana with no point.
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